When interviewing for a teaching position, it’s important to be prepared for a wide range of questions.
You may be asked about your teaching philosophy or how you handle discipline in the classroom. You may also be asked more general questions about your background and experience.
In order to help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of 25 teacher interview questions and answers to test how ready you are. Read on to learn what to expect and how to answer some of the most common teacher interview questions.
25 Teacher Interview Questions and Answers (UK 2023)
1. Can you tell me about your experience teaching?
Example Answer: I have been teaching for six years, the last three of which have been in an inner-city school. I have taught a variety of subjects, including English, History, and Social Studies.
I have also worked with students of all abilities, from those who are struggling to those who are gifted.
2. What do you think is the most important thing that a teacher can do?
Example Answer: The most important thing a teacher can do is to create a safe and supportive learning environment for their students.
This means being patient, caring, and understanding. It also means having high expectations for all students and holding them accountable for their learning.
3. What is your teaching philosophy?
Example Answer: I believe that all students can learn and achieve success if they are given the opportunity and support to do so. I also believe that it is important to meet students where they are and to differentiate instruction to meet their individual needs.
4. How do you deal with discipline problems in your classroom?
Example Answer: I believe that preventative measures are the best way to deal with discipline problems. This means having clear rules and procedures in place, as well as maintaining a positive and consistent classroom management style. If a problem does arise, I deal with it immediately and firmly, but also fairly.
See Also: Safeguarding Interview Questions for Teachers
5. What are your strengths as a teacher?
Example Answer: I believe that my strengths as a teacher include my ability to build relationships with my students and to create a supportive learning environment. I am also patient, caring, and have a lot of experience working with diverse groups of students.
6. What do you think are your areas of improvement as a teacher?
Example Answer: I am always looking to improve my teaching practice and welcome feedback from my colleagues. Some areas I am currently working on include differentiating instruction more effectively and using data-driven decision-making to inform my instruction.
7. What do you think makes a successful student?
Example Answer: A successful student is one who is engaged in their learning, takes responsibility for their own progress, and is motivated to achieve their goals.
8. What do you think are the most important skills for a teacher?
Example Answer: I believe that some of the most important skills for a teacher include being able to build relationships with students, differentiating instruction, and having strong classroom management skills.
9. What do you think are the best things about being a teacher?
Example Answer: For me, some of the best things about being a teacher include being able to make a difference in the lives of my students and seeing them grow and learn. I also enjoy the challenges that teaching presents and the opportunity to continuously learn and improve my practice.
10. What inspired you to become a teacher?
Example Answer: I have always loved working with children and helping them learn. I enjoy watching them grow and develop over time, and I honestly believe that by being a teacher I can truly make a difference in their lives.
11. What do you think sets you apart from other teachers?
Example Answer: I believe that my dedication to teaching and my commitment to my students set me apart from other teachers. I am constantly looking for new ways to improve my practice and make sure that my students are getting the most out of their education.
12. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing education today?
Example Answer: I think that one of the biggest challenges facing education today is the funding cuts that have been made to education budgets. These cuts make it difficult for teachers to provide their students with the resources they need to be successful.
See Also: 15 Safeguarding Questions to ask at the End of an Interview
13. How do you handle stress in the classroom?
Example Answer: I handle stress in the classroom by taking a break when I need to and by communicating with my students. I find that if I am feeling stressed, my students are usually able to sense it. If I take a few minutes to breathe and regroup, I am usually able to continue teaching without any problems.
14. What are your thoughts on standardized testing?
Example Answer: I think that standardized testing can be a helpful tool for measuring student progress, but I also think that it can be detrimental if it’s overemphasized. Standardized tests should not be the only thing that teachers focus on when assessing student learning.
15. What do you love about teaching?
Example Answer: I love watching my students grow and learn over the course of the year. Seeing them accomplish things that they once thought were impossible is one of the best parts of teaching. I also enjoy being able to build relationships with my students and their families.
16. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Example Answer: One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever been given is to never give up on a student. Every student has the potential to succeed, and it’s our job as teachers to help them reach that potential.
17. What’s your favourite memory from your time as a teacher?
Example Answer: My favourite memory from my time as a teacher is when one of my students had a “lightbulb moment.”
I was teaching a lesson on fractions, and there was one student who just couldn’t seem to understand it. I kept working with her and explaining things in different ways, and finally, she got it. Her face just lit up with joy, and it was such a gratifying moment.
18. What do you think is the most important lesson you’ve learned as a teacher?
Example Answer: I think the most important lesson I’ve learned as a teacher is that every student is different.
No two students learn in the exact same way, so it’s important to be flexible in your teaching and to meet each student where they’re at.
19. What advice would you give to a new teacher?
Example Answer: My advice to a new teacher would be to never give up on your students. It can be challenging at times, but teaching is one of the most rewarding careers out there. Stick with it, and you’ll be surprised by how much your students will achieve.
20. What do you think is the most important thing for parents to know about their child’s education?
Example Answer: I think the most important thing for parents to know about their child’s education is that they need to be involved.
Parents play a vital role in their child’s education, and they should make sure to stay involved in everything that’s going on.
21. What do you think is the best way for teachers to keep their students engaged?
Example Answer: There are many ways to keep students engaged, but I think one of the best ways is to make learning fun.
If students are enjoying themselves, they’re more likely to be engaged in what they’re doing.
22. What do you think is the best way for students to learn?
Example Answer: There are many ways for students to learn, but I think one of the best ways is through hands-on experience.
Learning by doing is often more effective than simply listening to a lecture or reading a textbook.
23. What do you think is the most important skill for students to learn?
Example Answer: I think the most important skill for students to learn is how to think critically.
In today’s world, it’s more important than ever for students to be able to think for themselves and to solve problems.
24. What do you do when a student is struggling in your class?
Example Answer: When a student is struggling in my class, I make sure to reach out to them and offer my help. I also work with the student’s parents or guardians to develop a plan to address the issue and to ensure that the student is getting the help they need.
25. What do you wish you could tell your students?
Example Answer: If I could tell my students anything, it would be to never give up on themselves. No matter how challenging things might seem, they can always succeed if they work hard and believe in themselves.
I would also tell them to never be afraid to ask for help when they need it. There are people who care about them and want to see them succeed.
See Also: Why should we hire you as a teacher?
Wrapping up:
Teaching is a challenging and rewarding profession. We hope these 25 teacher interview questions and answers will help you in your journey to becoming a teacher.
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Good luck!
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